This negligence comes on top of unresolved issues on the regulation of forever chemicals, EU-wide waste management, and the sourcing of critical minerals – all challenges at the core of Commissioner Jessica Roswall’s mandate. So, what are her true priorities? 

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Euractiv’s environment reporter, Barbara Machado, explore the key elements of the proposal and what it means for environmental protection. 

It was a big night for the Christian Democrats, which came out on top. This is a good reason for Merz, the likely next chancellor, to celebrate – but maybe not too hard, as the far-right AfD is now the second force in parliament.

For the Social Democrats, it was more of an existential crisis, performing the lowest score ever in a result that Scholz himself described as a "defeat."

But what happens next? And what does Merz hold for the future of the EU?

Euractiv’s editor-in-chief Matthew Karnitschnig and German bureau chief Nick Alipour reacted to the results as they were coming in from our Berlin office.

The meeting caps off a week of American shock therapy for the continent, from Trump’s call with Putin to tough talk from US top brass in Munich, which sent shockwaves to Brussels and Kyiv, leaving them wondering about their role – if any – in the deal.

Zelenskyy has insisted no deal happens without Kyiv while EU leaders met for an emergency meeting in Paris on Monday, though there was little they could agree on.

But if European leaders are not at the negotiation table, how will they make their voices heard? And how does Brussels guarantee Ukraine will only accept a deal that meets their demands?

To answer these questions, Euractiv’s chief diplomatic correspondent, Alexandra Brzozowski, sat down with the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas.

In this episode, producer Charles Cohen and Chief Diplomatic Correspondent Alexandra Brzozowski go through highlights and lowlights from the Munich Security Conference.  

In this episode, host Giada Santana and agrifood reporter Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro explore how the food market is adapting to unprecedented costs.  

This weekend, Calin Georgescu, polls’ frontrunner in Romania, called on people to boycott foreign-owned supermarkets, “to support Romanian producers.” In November, the relatively unknown independent politician turned Tiktok star. Georgescu won the first round of the presidential election. However, the country’s top court then annulled the result over alleged Russian interference. 

How has Georgescu’s platform changed since? And what strategy is the government adopting against foreign interference ahead of the next elections in May?  

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Bucharest-based Global Focus think thank director Oana Popescu – Zamfir analyse the supermarket boycott phenomenon, and the road ahead the Romanian election.  

The bloc is feeling the pressure. Trump infamously said he could end the war in 24 hours – yet in politics, 24 hours can change a lot. 

This meeting is a chance to show the US that the EU countries are doing their part in the Alliance, but there is a nagging doubt this may not be enough to persuade Washington to stay on in Ukraine.  So, what deliverables can we expect from NATO talks? And is Europe ready to assert its role in the Ukraine peace plan?  

In this episode, host Giada Santana and defence editor Aurelie Pugnet talk about the NATO meeting ahead and MEP Virginijus Sinkevicius speaks about Ukraine's bargaining chips.

For years, the high cost of innovation kept Europe on the sidelines. That’s changing. French President Emmanuel Macron said the country has secured more than €100 billion in private funding to drive technological breakthroughs. Meanwhile, the European Commission is backing a €150 billion investment through a joint venture of private firms aiming to position the EU as a global AI leader.

Brussels wants rapid progress. But will that come at the expense of safety and oversight? And how is this summit reshaping the global AI conversation?

In this episode, host Giada Santana and tech reporter Jacob Wulff Wold discuss Europe's ambitions voiced at the AI summit. 

Where are we at in negotiations? And how is Brexit still influencing London's decisions?

In this episode, host Giada Santana talks to Euractiv's editor Owen Morgan and BREXIT expert Joël Reland about the future of EU-UK relations. 

Now, the opposition is pointing finger at one party in particular: the Socialists, who broke away from the NFP and decided not to rally behind the group’s vote. The party divisions in the NFP could mark the end of the alliance, and leave France’s left in limbo.  

Could the socialists deal the final blow to NFP?  

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Paris-based politics reporter Theo Bourgery-Gonse make sense of the french left's fragmentation and PM Bayrou's latest moves. 

In this episode, host Giada Santana and economy reporter Thomas Moller-Nielsen break down Trump’s strategy—and what it could mean for the EU.

That seems impressive. Or sort of.

In the EU, at least eleven member states have promptly reacted to the launch, demanding the platform clarification on its privacy policy. Brussels' investigation, on the other hand, has yet to reach conclusions.

What rules could the Chinese startup be in violation of? Where does the data go?

In this episode, host Giada Santana and tech reporter Claudie Moreau ask DeepSeek some of these questions directly and analyse what measures Brussels can implement to protect users.

Farmers worry it means unfair competition and fear cheaper, less-regulated imports could threaten their livelihoods.

Economy Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen stepped in last week to ease tensions over Mercosur’s impact. Was it enough? And how is the Commission handling the pushback?

In this episode, host Giada Santana and agrifood reporter Maria Simon Arboleas analyse the fragmentation around the Mercosur agreement and the Commission's plan to move forward.

While demonstrators are demanding accountability for the 15 lives lost in the railway ceiling collapse, they also want greater transparency and the rule of law enforcement. But Serbia’s political landscape offers little in the way of real opposition to President Aleksandar Vučić.

How did the country reach this breaking point? And what comes next?

In this episode, producer Charles Cohen speaks with Engjellushe Morina, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, to unpack the roots of Serbia’s mass protests and what lies ahead.

In this episode, host Giada Santana talks to Euractiv's economy reporter, Thomas Moller-Nielsen, to unpack the Compass' key takeaways.

She has lived abroad, is openly in a same-sex relationship, and splits her time between Germany and Switzerland. But rather than hindering her rise, these complexities have fuelled Weidel's climb to power, positioning the 46-year-old as a contender for the chancellorship.

In this episode, host Giada Santana is joined by Berlin-based politics reporter Nick Alipour to examine the AfD's transformation under Weidel’s leadership.

Why is the EU keeping its crisis response corps on standby during one of the most significant security challenges in its modern history? And if Ukraine is off the table, what types of crises or regions might eventually trigger their first mission?

In this episode, host Giada Santana speaks with politics reporter Magnus Lund Nielsen, who has been covering the latest developments in Greenland on the ground for the past two weeks.  

But is the market buying into it? Business leaders might see the EU blueprint short on specifics, as sluggish growth continues to weigh on the bloc, and the potential effects of US tariffs remain difficult to gauge. Can Brussels steer Europe through mounting global challenges? And how robust is its economic playbook for the future?

In this episode, host Giada Santana speaks with economy reporter Thomas Moller Nielsen about the EU’s stance on innovation, competitiveness, and tariffs as publicised in Davos.

How could the espionage go unnoticed for three years? And what does it say about the EU’s counter-intelligence efforts – or lack thereof?

In this episode, host Giada Santana speaks with Szabolcs Panyi, the lead Hungarian journalist who uncovered the spy scandal, and Greens MEP Daniel Freund about the EU's failure to shield its civil servants from foreign espionage.

In this episode, host Giada Santana speaks with Peter Rough, Director of the Center on Europe at the Hudson Institute, and Jeremy Shapiro, Research Director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, to explore the implications of Trump’s return to the White House.

How are German carmakers trying to save the EV market?

In this episode, host Giada Santana talks to Jasper Steinlein, a reporter covering energy, the environment, and transport. They discuss the crisis facing German carmakers and how political parties are promising to fix it.

Despite contributing over €500 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians over the past 25 years—and pledging another €120 million—the EU still doesn’t have a seat at the table.

So, why isn't Brussels be part of the peace process?

In this episode, host Giada Santana speaks with Relief International Gaza Program Manager Yara Mowafy about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. To analyze the EU's involvement, she interviews ECFR Middle East expert Hugh Lovatt.

The potential political ramifications – particularly in terms of misinformation and political interference – are hard to gauge. What tools does the world’s most powerful regulatory force have to shield online users from harm?

In this episode, host Giada Santana and tech reporter Anupriya Datta discuss X and Meta's latest developments and whether the DSA can hold them accountable.

So, how is the Polish presidency preparing for its mandate?  

"The big task for the Polish presidency will be to foster unity in terms of sending support, money, and equipment to Ukraine," said Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, Poland's EU affairs undersecretary. But looking at the last years, not all members are on the same page.

In this episode, host Giada Santana interviews Sobkowiak-Czarnecka to find out how Poland plans to steer its presidency.

"Towards the end at least of the Cold War, everyone learned the rules. Now, we are much less certain of what the other side wants to communicate”, said historian Vladislav Zubok,"and that for me, is rather disconcerting".

In this episode, host Giada Santana analyzes the latest cable-cutting incident with defense editor Aurelie Pugnet and energy & climate reporter Niko Kurmayer. Expert Vladislav Zubok chimes in to draw parallels between now and the Cold War

How did Austria get here? And what might Kickl’s leadership mean for the future of the country—and the EU? 

In this episode, host Giada Santana interviews Karnitschnig to discuss Austria’s political shift and its implications for Europe.

Host Giada Santana and Euractiv's Eliza Gritski explore the EU’s probe into X, the implications of Musk’s new role, and what this means for the future of EU digital policy and transatlantic relations.

[Note: This episode was originally published on Nov 18th.]

Host Giada Santana and Environment hub editor Donagh Cagney delve into the commissioner nominees and discuss the future of EU energy and environment policy.

[Note: This episode was originally published on Sep 19th.]

Host Evi Kiorri speaks with politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta to unpack the implications of these changes for EU governance.

[Note: This episode was originally published on Sep 18th.]

With the prospect of a protectionist, pro-tariff Trump administration looming, the talks were anything but straightforward. Key industries like Germany’s automotive sector are already under significant pressure, and the risk of a broader trade war remains a serious concern. How is Europe preparing to adapt to a potentially shifting US trade agenda?

In this episode, host Evi Kiorri speaks with Euractiv's economy reporter Thomas Nielsen Moeller to explore the strategies at play.

[Note: This episode was originally published on Nov 21st.]

In this episode, host Giada Santana and agrifood reporter Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro delve into the details of the EU-Mercosur deal and explore the controversies surrounding it.

[Note: This episode was originally published on Dec 9th.]

In this episode, host Giada Santana and agrifood reporter Sofia Sánchez Manzanaro examine the supporters and detractors of the EUDR and discuss the potential outcomes of the vote.

[Note: This episode was originally published earlier this year.]

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Nicholas Wallace explore the report’s key proposals, including EU-NATO competition, Niinistö’s intelligence unit concept, and lessons from Finland’s approach to resilience.

[Note: This episode was originally published on Oct 31st]

This political upheaval has left European leaders concerned about its impact on European cooperation, especially as the continent braces for Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House. But how do European leaders view Germany’s instability, and what are the broader implications for Europe?

To explore these questions, host Evi Kiorri speaks with Berlin-based reporter Nick Alipour.

[Note: This episode was originally published on Nov 8th]

In this episode, host Evi Kiorri and economy reporter Thomas Moller-Nielsen break down the key takeaways from Draghi’s report and discuss its potential implications for Europe’s future.

[Note: This episode was originally published on September 10th.]

In this special episode of Today in the EU, host Giada Santana is joined by Euractiv's publisher René Moerland and editors Anna Brunetti and Donagh Cagney, to unpack the stories that made 2024 unforgettable.

From their manifestos, both the SPD (S&D) and CDU/CSU (EPP) appear to be carefully calibrating their messaging on key voter concerns – such as aid to Ukraine, economic policy, and migration. Their goal? To win over voters without shutting the door on future coalition deals.

But which alliances stand a real chance, and what is the strategy behind the catchy slogans?

In this episode, host Giada Santana teams up with Euractiv’s Berlin-based reporters, Nick Alipour and Jasper Steinlein, to unpack how the CDU/CSU and SPD are branding themselves and the strategies driving their campaigns.

Outmanoeuvred by his long-time ally Bayrou, who used his political leverage to secure the job, Macron now faces a public growing all the more sceptical of his leadership. The new French prime minister, however, appears ready to move past party lines to guarantee the government’s survival. What cards is Bayrou prepared to play to lock in his power?

In this episode, host Giada Santana speaks with Paris-based politics reporter Théo Bourgery-Gonse to discuss how Bayrou outplayed Macron and what this means for the French government’s future.

In a sit-down interview with Giada Santana, O’Reilly reflected on her time in office, the current political climate, and her landmark inquiry into Frontex.

“The propaganda budget for Russia is bigger than the whole Estonian state budget,” said Estonia’s Digital Minister Liisa Pakosta to Euractiv. 

“It’s a hybrid war between the autocratic and democratic world," the minister added.

The Baltic state shares a 294-kilometre border with Russia and is home to a 300,000-strong Russian-speaking minority, factors that increase its exposure to Kremlin-linked hybrid warfare. How has Estonia built its tech-driven society, and how is it helping its neighbours fend off digital threats?

In this episode, host Giada Santana is joined by Estonia's Justice and Digital Affairs Minister Liisa Pakosta to discuss Estonia's digital transformation and the challenges of securing a fully digital state in an era of escalating cyber warfare.

In this episode, host Giada Santana speaks with Carnegie's Thomas De Waal about Georgia's apparent shift towards Russia and what the EU can do to respond. 

EU's migration policy will be high on the political agenda when EU interior ministers meet in Brussels on Thursday (12 December).

Key decisions include a vote on extending Schengen membership to Romania and Bulgaria, revising anti-smuggling measures, and promoting the implementation of the EU Migration Pact at the national level.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Euractiv's politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta look at the controversial migration debates at the EU level and their potential outcomes.

In this episode, host Giada Santana breaks down the rivaling interests shaping the future of Syria with Chatham House fellow Chris Phillips and Russian reporter Iuliia Akhmedova. 

How does the US-China trade war impact the European Union, and how can Europe protect its defense industry at at such a crucial time? 

In this episode, host Giada Santana and defense reporter Aurelie Pugnet discuss the latest escalation in the tit-for-tat between Beijing and Washington and what it implies for the Union.  

In this episode, host Giada Santana and agrifood reporter Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro unpack the EU-Mercosur deal and the controversies it has sparked.

In a country where one in three citizens trust the government, the semi-presidential system could grant far-right candidate Georgescu significant power to challenge parliamentary majorities and potentially shift the country's stance on Moscow.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Euractiv's senior editor Georgi Gotev break down the elections in Romania and assess the situation as the country prepares for its next chapter.

In this episode, host Giada Santana talks to Middle East experts Bilal Saab and Julien Barnes-Dacey about the terms of the shaky ceasefire agreement amidst Washington and Brussels’s diplomatic efforts in the region.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Euractiv's Energy, Environment and Transport reporter Barbara Machado reflect on the political motives behind lowering the protection status of wolves and its wider implications for biodiversity.  

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Thèo Bourgery-Gonse chat about the controversies around the French budgetary package and the looming threat on Barnier’s head. 

But the push for global competitiveness seems to sideline labour and social policies, which have long been seen as hallmarks of Europe’s economic model. So, how does the Commission plan to make the Union wealthier? And who is at risk of being left behind?

In this episode, host Giada Santana chats with economics editor Anna Brunetti about the wind of change sweeping European economic policy. 

In this episode, host Giada Santana hears from defence reporter Aurélie Pugnet about what she discovered during a trip on the ground.  

In this episode, host Giada Santana talks about the rationale behind the vote with two MEPs: Daniel Freund of the Greens and Carlo Fidanza of the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR). 

While the EP’s greenlight seems certain after EPP, Renew, and S&D struck a platform agreement last week, the incoming College might be sworn in with the narrowest support in recent history. So, where do the different political groups stand? And what effect will the vote have on Parliament's future powerplays? 

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporters Nicoletta Ionta and Magnus Lund Nielsen talk numbers, alliances and behind-the-scenes buzz from Strasbourg's corridors.

The combination of high energy prices (well above those in the US) and stringent sustainability and compliance requirements is putting pressure on several industries, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular.

While the European Union aims to reduce reporting obligations by 25%, the challenge is to balance simplification with maintaining the core objectives of its laws, such as climate and human rights standards. These concerns echo key findings of the Draghi report, which highlighted the EU's struggles with productivity and global competition.

To dig deeper, host Evi Kiorri was joined by Euractiv's Berlin-based economy reporter Jonathan Packroff.

[Edited by Daniel Eck]

Both Israel and Hamas have dismissed the allegations, giving predictably polarised responses. The Israeli government condemned the ICC’s decision as “antisemitic,” while Hamas called the warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant an “important historical precedent.” But what do these arrest warrants mean, and can the Court's 124 member states – none of which include Israel or the US – enforce this decision? 

To answer these questions, host Evi Kiorri spoke with ICC correspondent and host of the Hague-based Asymmetrical Haircuts podcast, Janet Anderson. 

All eyes are on the final sum allocated to the new climate finance goal (NCQG), which will determine how many resources developed countries will provide to the global south to limit greenhouse gas emissions. But the discrepancy in ambition and timeline between the two parties has so far locked talks in a standstill. Where are the COP29 climate talks headed? And where does the EU stand in these negotiations?  

Join host Giada Santana and energy & environment reporter Niko Kurmayer as they outline COP29's trajectory and possible scenarios for its last day. The European University Institute's head of delegation, professor Simone Borghesi, dials in from Baku.

With key industries such as Germany’s automotive sector already under significant pressure and the risk of a wider trade war on the horizon, how is Europe preparing to adapt to a shifting US trade agenda?

To find out, host Evi Kiorri speaks to Euractiv's economy reporter Thomas Nielsen Moeller.

Spain’s Teresa Ribera fell under scrutiny after October's devastating Valencia floods, and faced fierce opposition from the Spanish wing of the European People's Party (EPP). The political deadlock threatened not only her nomination as vice-president of the European Commission but also the approval of the whole College. But negotiations between parliamentary groups in Brussels appear to have finally ended.

What fueled the EPP’s resistance, and how was an agreement reached?

Join host Giada Santana and reporter Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro as they analyse the fallout from the Valencia disaster and its ripple effects on the Commission’s formation.

This move provides Russia with added manpower, posing greater challenges for Ukraine’s strained military resources and increasing its need for ammunition. The effectiveness of North Korean troops is uncertain due to their limited combat experience. EU ministers are concerned but limited in action due to North Korea’s isolation, as they gather in Brussels amid pressure to strengthen military support, especially with future U.S. aid uncertain. 

To look into this topic host Evi Kiorri is joined by security and defence editor Aurélie Pugnet.

The European Union and Musk have clashed repeatedly, especially since his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter - now known as X.

On 23 December 2023, the European Commission launched an investigation into X for violating the Digital Services Act (DSA), including content moderation issues. Meanwhile, Musk’s image as a staunch defender of free speech has energized Europe’s far-right, who increasingly see him as an ideological ally.

But where does the EU stand in this escalating dispute, and how might Brussels respond to Musk’s new role?

Join host Giada Santana and Euractiv tech editor Eliza Gritski as they unpack the EU’s probe into X, the controversial DOGE commission, and Musk’s growing influence on both sides of the Atlantic. 

With a snap election scheduled for 23 February and no-confidence votes looming, the dynamics between party leaders and coalitions are set to shape Germany’s immediate future.

To take a closer look at the unfolding political drama and its impact on Europe’s largest economy host Evi Kiorri is joined by our Berlin-based politics reporter, Nick Alipour.

[Edited by Daniel Eck]

According to the UN, 10 million hectares of forest – an area the size of Portugal – vanish yearly due to unsustainable practices. 

Proposed amendments, however, threaten to narrow its scope and delay its rollout, leaving activists worried that a diluted law could fail to tackle deforestation. But who among the MEPs wants the end of anti-deforestation law, and why?

In this episode, host Giada Santana and agrifood reporter Sofia Sánchez Manzanaro outline supporters and detractors of EUDR, and possible scenarios ahead of the vote.  

Evaluation meetings have been postponed with no timeline set, leaving many unanswered questions: what is happening behind closed doors, and what can we expect from the hearings’ conclusions in the coming days? 

To break down what has happened with the hearings so far, host Evi Kiorri is joined by Euractiv's politics reporters Nicoletta Ionta and Magnus Lund Nielsen – who have been following most of the sessions for the past two weeks.

Among those who will not be attending are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazil’s Lula da Silva, and China’s Xi Jinping.  

Setting robust climate finance targets is high on this year's agenda at a time when the pressure couldn’t be higher, with the UN warning that global warming could rise by 2.9 to 3.1 degrees Celsius - almost double the "safe" limit set by the Paris Agreement. 

Join host Giada Santana as she talks to Euractiv’s climate, energy, and transport editor, Donagh Cagney, and climate reporter Paul Messad. Together, they will break down the events on the ground in Baku, Europe’s big goals for these talks, and what the missing world leaders could mean for the success - or failure - of the summit. 

The breakdown, caused by long-running disputes over economic policy and budget constraints, culminated late on Wednesday when Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner after failed negotiations. This marks a significant shift in German and European politics, with potential consequences for European cooperation, especially as the continent braces for Donald Trump’s return to the White House. 

But how do European leaders view Germany’s political instability? 

To understand this better, host Evi Kiorri speaks to our Berlin-based reporter Nick Alipour.

 With both the Senate and House to be controlled by a Republican majority, the businessman-turned-politician is likely to enjoy an obstacle-free pathway to turn his electoral promises into legislation. But what did Trump guarantee to the American public in the first place and what is at the root of his remarkable comeback?  

Tune in as host Giada Santana takes the temperature at the incoming president’s headquarters in Palm Beach County, Florida with Euractiv’s Sarantis Michaloupolos, and analyzes Trump’s manifesto with editor Alice Taylor.  

The race for the White House is expected to come down to seven key battleground states, and it could take days for officials to count enough votes to declare a winner. So, what happened on election night, and why does it matter for the EU?

To break down all that happened on election night, host Evi Kiorri was joined by journalist and editor Brian Maguire.

If the European Parliament green-lights him, Šefčovič pledges to reshape Europe’s foreign economic strategy against Beijing's “unfair practices” and Washington’s increasing protectionism. “It is time to double down on our efforts to safeguard the playing field," said the Slovakian commissioner-designate in front of MEPs (4 November). 

Join us as host Giada Santana and economics reporter Thomas Moller-Nielsen comment on Šefčovič’s hearing live from the Parliament and what his words mean for the future of EU trade and competitiveness. 

With 26 nominees lined up for vetting, each committee in the European Parliament will have the opportunity to scrutinise the candidates' expertise and suitability for their roles. While these hearings are intended to assess competence, they are also likely to reflect underlying political alliances, rivalries and strategic timing that could affect the outcome and timing of each appointment.

The EPP, the largest group in the European Parliament, is poised to leverage its position to push through favoured candidates and ultimately shape both the composition and agenda of the incoming Commission.

To look into the hearings, host Evi Kiorri is joined by Euractiv's politics reporters Magnus Lund Nielsen and Nicoletta Ionta.

[Edited by Daniel Eck]

The report’s reality check, as he calls it in one paragraph, spans a wide range of recommendations, from climate change management to intel sharing. 

The Nordic politician suggests the EU could benefit from Finland’s history, at a time when the world faces the most conflicts since 1945. Instability calls for widespread responsibilities, and citizens are at the forefront, says the outgoing president. How should the EU prepare for upcoming challenges? 

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Nicholas Wallace delve into EU-NATO competition, Niinistö’s intelligence unit proposal, and a dash of Finnish history.  

Last year's document introduced unprecedented policies, including a revamped accession process for the Western Balkans and a pathway for Ukraine to join the Union. As Putin's grip on the region tightens, the EU faces growing pressure to strengthen its enlargement policy quickly. How will the EU respond?

In this episode, host Giada Santana and policy analyst Teona Lavrelashvili discuss the successes and failures of EU enlargement policy against t Eastern Europe’s evolving political landscape.

Key concerns include supposed vote-buying targeting vulnerable groups, misuse of administrative power, and possible tampering with new electronic voting systems. Accusations suggest the ruling Georgian Dream party used voter intimidation and criminal networks to sway results.

 Despite pre-election opinion and exit polls indicating different outcomes, Georgian Dream claimed a decisive victory, prompting opposition parties, the president, and the public to question the legitimacy of the result. With international observers noting irregularities and EU officials calling for investigations, the situation underscores a serious challenge for Georgia's democratic future and its EU integration ambitions. 

Host Evi Kiorri spoke with Dr Tinatin Akhvlediani, a research fellow in the EU Foreign Policy Unit at CEPS, to analyse the situation in Georgia.

[Edited by Rajnish Singh]

Given the backdrop of Russian interference, AI-driven disinformation campaigns, and two assassination attempts, the US election campaign may seem like a quagmire for Brussels — a situation best avoided. Is the EU’s strategy of maintaining a low profile a wise approach, and how might this reluctance influence the future of transatlantic relations? 

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Magnus Lund Nielsen discuss the latest polls, the clashes between Harris and Trump, and Brussels' strategic positioning, featuring insights from Renew’s Vera Jourova. 

Further southeast on the continent, Georgian voters are preparing to cast their ballots in parliamentary elections this Saturday (October 26). The ruling party's close ties to Moscow and controversial policies raise questions about the country's EU candidacy.

To better understand the importance of the elections in Moldova and Georgia and the challenges in their European ambitions, host Evi Kiorri spoke with Dr Tinatin Akhvlediani, research fellow in the EU Foreign Policy Unit at CEPS.

For most members of the European Parliament, there seems to be a collective sense that this composition represents the best possible outcome, given the competing political forces involved. As a result, most political groups appear content in pushing the selection process forward, avoiding excessive scrutiny, which could potentially unravel the entire arrangement.

While things seem stable during this initial phase, there may still be commissioners-designate who fail to make it through the final round.

Who might be excluded and what impact could this have on the appointment of the next College of Commissioners?

To break this down, our host Evi Kiorri is joined by our politics reporter, Magnus Lund Nielsen, who has the inside information from Strasbourg.

[Edited by Rajnish Singh]

This comes after a Rome court forced the government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to take back the 16 migrants it had sent to the newly set up detention centre in Albania because of their age, poor health, and unsafe country of origin.

While the country has since elevated its list of safe countries to primary law in an attempt to override looming court cases, it remains unclear whether it will survive future legal challenges to its migration policies.

Join host Giada Santana and politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta as they take a closer look at why the current debate on return hubs is worrying law experts, with the contribution of senior research fellow Sergio Carrera.

The European Commission has identified eight flagship projects spanning land, air, maritime, space, and cyber defence, which could be supported by a €500 billion budget. These projects aim to enhance EU-wide security and foster greater cooperation between member states, though crucial details regarding funding and execution are still under negotiation.

To look into the specifics of this story host Evi Kiorri spoke with defence editor, Aurélie Pugnet.

The company is expected to respond to the Commission's concerns regarding consumer protection. Since its launch in July 2022, TEMU has rapidly established itself as a leading player in the EU e-commerce market, now boasting 75 million active monthly users. Advocacy groups have raised alarms about potential risks to shoppers' health and privacy, citing issues with toxic materials in inexpensive products and allegations of unauthorized data sales. 

The customs’ code reform, now in the works at the EU Parliament, could better protect online shoppers, but implementation is likely to take more than a decade. 

Join host Giada Santana and tech editor Eliza Gritski as they discuss Eu regulators’ efforts to keep pace with the fast-evolving online landscape.  

In an interview with Euractiv’s Aurélie Pugnet, Kubilius expressed determination to make this work by focusing on joint defence strategies, increased funding, and streamlining production. As defence has traditionally been a national competency, what is his plan for the future of EU defence? And why is the EU appointing a defence and space commissioner for the first time?

To break down these questions host Evi Kiorri is joined by our Defence Editor, Aurélie Pugnet.

From 'return hubs' to asylum seekers' rights and third-country bilateral agreements, member states' divergent proposals are likely to complicate efforts in achieving the unanimous consensus necessary to pass any procedure at EUCO.

Join host Giada Santana and senior editor Sarantis Michalopoulos as they dive into the policies that could redefine the future of EU migration. 

But mutual concerns remain. The EU sees the Gulf as a key energy partner in reducing its dependence on Russian energy. Yet, the Gulf's ties with Moscow make this partnership challenging. For their part, Gulf countries are concerned about the EU's inconsistent stance on Gaza as the conflict expands. Can both sides overcome these issues to deepen their diplomatic and energy partnership?

To answer this question, host Evi Kiorri spoke with Camille Lons, policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and Cinzia Bianco, visiting fellow at the same think tank.

EU membership negotiations for both Albania and North Macedonia were initially scheduled for July 2022, but no negotiation chapters have been opened since then. At the end of September, however, EU member states unanimously decided to separate the bids and formally open EU membership talks with Albania.

The talks will focus on five key issues, including the judiciary, financial control, and procurement, as Albania struggles with high levels of corruption, slow judicial processes, and limited media freedom.

Will Albania's notable efforts in recent years, such as the adoption of several anti-corruption measures, be enough to reassure the EU's member states?   

Join host Giada Santana and senior editor Alice Taylor in this episode as they unpack the EU's enlargement strategy, Albania's evolving role in migration policy, and the implications of the country's membership bid for the rest of the Balkans. 

The Foreign Affairs Council will also evaluate potential EU responses to the conflict in Gaza and the Middle East, with a particular focus on concerns about regional spillover, especially after Lebanon being hit and Iran's involvement.

To look into these pressing issues, host Evi Kiorri is joined by Dr Spyros Economides, Associate Professor in International Relations and European Politics at the European Institute and James Moran, Associate Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies.

A leaked document from this week hints at the merger of various funds, the introduction of conditionality measures, and a shift toward a more centralised approach, among other things.  

In this episode, join host Giada Santana and economy and transport reporter Jonathan Packroff as they dive into MFF’s current challenges, regional stakeholders' perspectives, and what the future might hold. 

Orbán stressed the need for stricter migration controls, questioning the EU's approach to Ukraine. Von der Leyen responded with a strong defence of Europe’s military and financial support to Kyiv. The clash highlighted deepening divisions within the EU, as Orbán called for Commission neutrality, while von der Leyen criticised Hungary’s border control policies and its stance on the Ukraine conflict.

To take a deep dive into this topic, host Evi Kiorri spoke with László Andor, secretary general of FEPS and former Hungarian EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion, along with our politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta.

[Edited by Rajnish Singh]

While ministers are due to discuss issues related to Schengen and security, the focal point will be a working lunch where ministers will explore new migration deals with third countries and how to make the return of irregular migrants more efficient.

The obvious harder line that is being taken on both asylum and irregular migration comes as member states face increasing pressure at the EU's external borders, pushing for the adoption of tougher measures and possible deals with new countries.

To break this down host Evi Kiorri spoke with our Paris-based reporter, Théo Bourgery-Gonse.

However, countries like Italy and Spain have halted arms deals, citing concerns over the humanitarian crisis and potential violations of international law. As tensions rise in the region, particularly with Lebanon being hit and Iran's involvement, European nations face growing pressure to reassess their arms export policies while navigating complex geopolitical alliances.

To look into this topic, host Evi Kiori is joined by Euractiv's Defence Editor Aurélie Pugnet.

While lithium is a key component of the EU's green transition, concerns are rising over the environmental impact of increased mining activities. Experts warn of water pollution, biodiversity loss, and heightened carbon emissions, raising questions about the sustainability of this green push.

Can Europe meet its ambitious climate goals without compromising the environment?

In this episode, host Giada Santana sits down with Energy and Environment reporter Nathan Canas to explore the continent's expanding lithium production plans, the challenges that accompany them, and the broader implications for Europe’s sustainability efforts. Join us for a critical look at this pressing issue.

Although the vetting process is based on the nominees providing the necessary information, the JURI Committee has a crucial role in scrutinising financial declarations to identify potential conflicts of interest.

Which are the commissioners-designate that are already raising concerns due to their business and political connections? 

To look into this topic host Evi Kiorri is joined by Euractiv's Politics journalist Magnus Lund Nielsen. 

In Lebanon, more than one million people have been displaced so far, with around one in 10 having fled to Syria. To cope with the unfolding humanitarian emergency, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Bikati has appealed for $400 million in aid.  

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta look into what the humanitarian crisis looks like on the ground with IOM Middle East spokesperson Joe Lowry and Relief International's country director Giacomo Baldini in Beirut. 

In this episode of 'Today in the EU', Giada Santana talks with Owen Morgan about Brexit's unresolved issues and the future of the EU-UK relationship.  

A seasoned leader with over a decade of experience, Rutte is expected to face significant challenges and manage high expectations in his new role.

NATO allies, while grateful for Stoltenberg’s steady leadership during turbulent times, are eager for change and look to Rutte for guidance on critical issues.

To shed some light on the challenges and expectations, we spoke to our defence and security reporter, Aurélie Pugnet.

However, its victory may be complicated as the outgoing centre-right party has previously ruled out partnering with FPO leader Herbert Kickl. It remains unclear if this stance will hold. 

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta discuss the election results, the FPO’s platform, and the potential makeup of Austria’s next government. 

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao toured Europe earlier this month to lobby against the tariffs. Simultaneously, the European Commission and China are negotiating a "price undertaking" agreement that would set a minimum price for Chinese EVs in Europe to avoid tariffs. All this is happening amid growing geopolitical tensions between China and the EU, and increasing concern about the economic risks, particularly in Germany, which is heavily dependent on the Chinese auto market and may face retaliatory measures.

To better understand what is happening with the EU-China negotiations we spoke with our economy reporter, Thomas Moller-Nielsen.

Boosting defence spending is no small task – it would require €500 billion over the next decade, according to European Commission President von der Leyen. Yet, only €1.5 billion is currently allocated for 2025 to 2027.

With the stakes high, the European Commission must answer uncomfortable questions: who will fund it, and how much will it cost?

In this episode, host Giada Santana and defence editor Aurelie Pugnet explore the EU’s defence budget dilemma with insights from Nathalie Loiseau, Member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE).

Israel's operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and Beirut, which resulted in the death of one of Hezbollah's leaders, has triggered missile retaliation and caused severe civilian casualties. More than 550 people, among them dozens of children have died, and thousands have fled the violence since Israel’s most intense barrage. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is urging immediate de-escalation, civilian protection, and unhindered humanitarian aid to prevent further catastrophe, particularly in Gaza, where the situation is already dire.

In today’s episode, host Evi Kiorri brings you a voice from Gaza: Hisham Mhanna, spokesperson of the ICRC, discusses the situation on the ground. Our senior editor, Georgi Gotev, joins us to unpack the current situation in southern Lebanon and north Israel.

This headline has been updated to reflect the fact that ICRC are urging protection of civilians, in addition to an end to hostilities.

With a no-confidence vote looming, Barnier faces immense pressure to balance urgent budget reforms amid rising deficits and demands from conservative and far-right parties. The next few weeks are crucial for France’s political stability, as delays in presenting the 2025 budget raise concerns within the European Commission.

Which French ministries is Brussels keeping an eye on, and what’s left of Macron's influence both domestically and within the EU? To look into these questions, we’re joined by our Paris based reporter Théo Bourgery-Gonse.

With the Summit taking place just before the high-level week of the General Assembly, discussions are expected to be lively.

However, given the vague language of the documents under discussion and the absence of key leaders of the P5 - the US, UK, France, China, and Russia - many question the possibility of meaningful reform or whether the UN's future can be reshaped at all.

In this episode, host Giada Santana is joined by Brenda Mofya, head of Oxfam in New York, to explore the key takeaways, challenges, and hopes from the Summit of the Future.

With the European Commission warning that such actions should only be reserved for exceptional cases, what does this mean for the future of the EU's highly anticipated migration pact? Why are member states increasingly pursuing their own migration policies?

We spoke with our Berlin-based politics reporter, Nick Alipour, to answer these pressing questions.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Environment hub editor Donagh Cagney discuss the commissioner nominees and the future of EU energy and environment policy.

Von der Leyen emphasised gender parity, increasing female representation to 40%. But who are the new names, what are the newly created roles and what happens if the team fails to achieve parliamentary confirmation before taking office?

To break down what this means for the new College of Commissioners and their portfolios, Evi Kiorri talks to politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta.

Just hours later, President Emmanuel Macron nominated Stéphane Séjourné as France’s new Commissioner. But does the new French commissioner-designate have what it takes for the job, and when can we expect the full list of portfolios?

To look into these questions, we’re joined by our Defence Editor, Aurélie Pugnet.

Among other security issues, Allies discussed the establishment of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) and launching the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Centre (JATEC) as part of NATO's support package to Ukraine.

Despite the urgent need for the West to provide Ukraine with ammunition, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned NATO just before the Prague meeting that allowing Ukraine to use longer-range Western missiles to strike inside Russia would be considered an act of war.

Meanwhile, as the situation in Ukraine unfolds, the realities of war and the need for a strong defence remain at the centre of domestic discussions.

To get an insight into the situation on the ground, host Evi Kiorri spoke to Lev Zinchenko, Programme Assistant in the Europe in the World Programme at the European Policy Centre.

[Edited by Daniel Eck]

On Thursday (12 September), ENVI members rejected the European Commission's proposal to lower the maximum residue levels for certain pesticides and fungicides in imported food. The committee turned down the draft because these agricultural chemicals are not authorised within the EU, and, as such, imported products containing their residues should also be prohibited from entering the EU market. Does this approach signal the start of a new, more protectionist agricultural policy?

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Agrifood Hub Editor Angelo di Mambro explore the growing politicisation of agriculture in the EU and its potential impact on consumers.

These decisions reward her close-to-decade-long battles to tackle Big Tech’s dominance in Europe, marking a significant win for tax justice and fair competition.

But can these rulings influence future EU policy as the current Executive Vice-President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age and Competition prepares to leave office in November?

To look into those two key court rulings, host Evi Kiorri is joined by our technology reporter, Théophane Hartmann.

[Edited by Daniel Eck]

In this episode, host Giada Santana comments on the debate with Dr Liana Fix, political scientist and fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington. 

Without significant progress, Europe risks falling further behind global competitors, particularly in the tech sector. The report highlights the importance of a well-coordinated transition to climate neutrality, ensuring that decarbonisation also supports growth. With calls for stronger EU regulation and investment in tech innovation and clean energy, Draghi outlines a path to secure Europe’s future on the global stage.

To break down the Draghi report, we are joined by our economy reporter, Thomas Moller-Nielsen.

While nine women have been proposed so far, von der Leyen suggested last week that the final count has reached double digits.Who are the remaining candidates, and which portfolios are female commissioners aiming for?

In this episode, host Giada Santana speaks with Georgie Bradley, spokesperson for the European Institute for Gender Equality, and political Reporter Nicoletta Ionta on how gender equality may shape the upcoming College of Commissioners.

Barnier faces the challenge of forming a government in a fractured parliament, where the far-right party Rassemblement National holds key influence. His immediate tasks include avoiding a vote of no confidence and setting a unified policy agenda – marking the end of the political standoff but the start of new challenges.

To understand how Emanuel Macron reached this decision, who the new PM is, and what the reactions were, we spoke with our Paris-based reporter, Théo Bourgery-Gonse.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and agrifood hub editor Angelo di Mambro analyse the freshly published report and the future of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with comments from an exclusive interview with Strategic Dialogue's chair Peter Strohschneider.

With a new Commissioner set to take office, how will their approach influence the EU’s defence policy? And with the Mario Draghi report on the horizon, should we anticipate bold suggestions on defence?

To dive into what the future holds for EU's defence policy we spoke with our security and defence reporter, Aurélie Pugnet.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Berlin-based reporter Nick Alipour examine eastern Germany’s history of far-right extremism, the country’s uncertain political landscape, and reactions from leaders across the European Union following Sunday’s vote. 

To better understand what is happening with the turmoil in France, we are joined by our Paris based Politics and economy reporter, Théo Bourgery-Gonse.

But who is the Russian-born founder of the popular messaging app, and what is the French investigation about? And can the European Commission have a say on the role of tech companies in regulating online content?

To break down everything that is happening in the Pavel Durov case, we're joined by our Paris-based technology reporter, Théophane Hartmann.

While several countries have been criticised for reintroducing controls at their borders, German politicians are now advocating tighter checks at the borders with Poland and Czechia - measures that could be beefed up if the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is currently leading the polls, wins regional elections in eastern Germany this weekend.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Euractiv's energy and environment reporter Niko Kurmayer explore Schengen's uncertain future and Germany's pivotal role in shaping it.

These legal actions are part of a growing global movement where activists are holding governments accountable for their environmental pledges.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Energy & Environment Editor Donagh Cagney examine the vulnerabilities in the EU’s Green Deal and discuss how recent climate litigations may reshape its future. The discussion features insights from Climate Action Network Europe spokesperson Romain Didi and LSE Policy Fellow Catherine Higham.

With experts warning that the practice threatens the viability of Germany's economy, particularly in the automotive and industrial sectors, Euractiv looks at how this would affect the German and even the EU economy.

To discuss this, we’re joined by Jonathan Packroff, Euractiv’s Berlin-based economy and transport reporter. 

In this episode, hosts Giada Santana and Magnus Lund Nielsen dive into the hurdles hindering the formation of the new EU Commission. 

With current economic stagnation and geopolitical tensions, the ECB’s decisions are sparking heated debates. But how do these decisions affect everyday life and economic growth? 

To dive into the ECB’s role and responsibilities, we are joined by our economy reporter Thomas Moller-Nielsen. 

What are the hurdles railways face in becoming the greener choice and what is the EU doing to overcome them?

Host Nicoletta Ionta discusses with Barbara Machado, Euractiv’s energy, environment and transport Journalist, the current state of EU railways, the issues, and the proposals aimed at addressing them.

In this episode, host Giada Santana explores the issue in depth with Euractiv health editor Catherine Feore and discusses possible policy responses with EUDA director Alexis Goosdeel. 

In the wake of Qatargate, the largest corruption scandal in EU history, that tarnished the credibility of EU institutions, the upcoming mandate offers a critical opportunity to enhance transparency around the influence of lobby groups on political actors. But what are the loopholes that remain?

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Bram Vranken, a researcher at the Corporate Europe Observatory, dive into the murky waters of lobbying politics.

To understand better the situation at steak, host Evi Kiorri talked to Euractiv's politics editor Aurélie Pugnet.

Today, for the first time ever, more than half of the global population supports such leaders. We spoke to United Nations Development Programme's Pedro Conceiçao and Euractiv's politics hub editor Aurelie Pugnet to zoom in on the implications for the upcoming European Union elections.   

Before the vote, von der Leyen delivered a lengthy speech reaching out to centrist and left-wing parties, while excluding the far-right. She outlined the priorities for her next mandate, appearing more confident than ever, but also raising some questions. 

To break down what happened during the vote for the President of the European Commission, we are joined by our politics editor Aurélie Pugnet.

To understand the implications of the vote, the major players, and the European consequences, we're joined in the studio by Catherine Feore, Euractiv’s editor, with insights from Mathew Nicolson, Europe Elects deputy team leader and UK correspondent.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Euractiv Italy's Alessia Peretti discuss what Meloni wants from the European Council’s meeting and what she obtained.

From the choice of a provocative motto to its declared priorities, Budapest appears unafraid of escalating tensions with Brussels, disappointing those who hoped this role might prompt a Hungarian realignment with EU values.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics hub editor Aurelie Pugnet discuss the direction in which Hungary intends to take the union and the history of bad blood between Orbán and the EU.

The left-wing coalition, however, has not secured an absolute majority, therefore questions arise about who will be the country’s next prime minister, and which parties could collaborate to form a government. 

To break down what the future holds for French politics, I’m joined by our Paris-based reporter Théo Bourgery-Gonse. 

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Magnus Lund Nielsen delve into the next European Commission's political guidelines, informed by exclusive documents reviewed by Euractiv.

At the same time, far-right leaders across Europe, including Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, are forming a new alliance with nationalist parties from Austria and the Czech Republic. 

To understand the motives behind the talks, the reshuffling, and the ongoing powerplay, our politics reporter Max Griera is here with us today.  

The document offers some answers to the unprecedented challenges facing the European Union: the energy crisis prompted by the war in Ukraine, the aftermath of an historic surge in prices, and increased competition from China and the United States.

To find out what impact Letta’s report could have on the EU's economic future, we analysed its overarching gist with Anna Brunetti, Euractiv’s economy editor.

Who were the big winners according to the latest exit polls, who were the losers, what happens with the non-affiliated, and in which EU countries were these make-or-break elections?

To talk about what happened during the election night we’re joined by Aurelie Pugnet, Euractiv’s Politics Editor, with comments from Bas Eickhout (Greens/EFA), Manfred Weber (EPP), and Assita Kanko (ECR).

The report will focus on the EU's aim to leverage its numerous strengths and competitive advantages while also tackling existing challenges and facilitating the twin transition towards a sustainable and digital economy.

But why has Draghi’s report been delayed and what reactions can we expect to it? To understand this better we spoke with Euractiv's economy reporter Thomas Moller-Nielsen.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and tourism researcher Stefan Gössling exchange views on how the EU can lead the way toward sustainable tourism. 

But what lessons have we learned in recent years, what is the effectiveness of existing measures, and what are the future steps necessary to mitigate these destructive events? 

To break down these questions, we are joined by Balazs Ujvari, spokesperson for the EU's Budget and Human Resources, Humanitarian Aid, and Crisis Management, and Lindon Pronto, a senior fire management expert at the European Forest Institute and a former firefighter.

What measures have been implemented, and how is Germany preparing to take on more responsibility amid potential challenges from the political instability in France and changes in NATO duties? 

To look into these pressing questions, we’re joined by our Berlin-based politics reporter Nick Alipour.  

The Olympics are set against a backdrop of almost unprecedented political instability in France: After the snap elections in June, the country has a technical government in place until a new one is agreed. How have these tensions impacted the event? 

In this episode, we’re joined by our Paris-based reporter Clara Bauer-Babef to break down the intricacies of these Olympics.  

Across France and Italy, a strong bond has historically linked prominent far-right parties, from Jordan Bardella’s Rassemblement National to Giorgia Meloni’s Fratelli d'Italia, and various youth organisations, revealing a backbone of Islamophobia, fascism, and antisemitism, that particularly attracts young voters.  

In this episode, host Giada Santana and journalists Renée Bertini and Luigi Scarano discuss trends in radical youth movements in France and Italy, drawing on their on-the-ground experience. 

But how does Europe plan to fund its ambitious plans?

In this episode, we are joined by Thomas Moller-Nielsen, Euractiv's economy reporter, to understand how the Union plans to fund its projects by turning to private capital in response to public spending constraints.

The major political groups in Parliament are already staking their claims on committees that align with their policy proposals, and are collaborating to create a cordon sanitaire, ensuring they solidify their power in the legislative meetings of this new mandate. 

But which committees are the most important, who wants them, and what can we expect in terms of chairmanship? 

To break down the committees' importance, and the role that is to come with the new mandate, we spoke to Aurélie Pugnet.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Magnus Lund Nielsen delve into the next European Commission's political guidelines, informed by exclusive documents reviewed by Euractiv.

Before the vote, von der Leyen delivered a lengthy speech reaching out to centrist and left-wing parties, while excluding the far-right. She outlined the priorities for her next mandate, appearing more confident than ever, but also raising some questions. 

To break down what happened during the vote for the President of the European Commission, we are joined by our politics editor Aurélie Pugnet. 

[Edited by Rajnish Singh]

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Global Europe editor Alexandra Brzozowski look ahead at the EPC's dense program.

Roberta Metsola has been re-elected as President of the European Parliament, but all eyes are on Ursula von der Leyen and her re-election as Commission President. What makes this plenary session so crucial, and what indications does it give us of the upcoming policies and files the new mandate will focus on? 

To understand the intricacies of this very first plenary, we spoke to our politics editor Aurélie Pugnet. 

In this episode, host Giada Santana and activist Troy Davis discuss the pros and cons of the two-parliamentary seat design.

The issue has now been revived under the Hungarian EU presidency, which began at the start of July, as EU energy ministers meet to discuss this type of energy on Monday (15 July).

But how does geothermal energy work, what are the pros and cons, and what could it mean for the EU? 

We are joined in the studio by our energy and environment reporter, Nathan Canas, to shed some light on the situation.

Why couldn’t the far right unite, and what does their failure to form a single bloc mean for the European Parliament's next five-year mandate?

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Berlin correspondent Kjeld Neubert trace how the political developments between Germany and Brussels have led to the most fragmented far right camp in a decade.

The friendly nature of the discussions between the two leaders in Moscow upset EU ambassadors, as Hungary used the European Council presidency’s logo in background communications, despite claims from Orbán that the visit was an individual initiative based on national needs,

In this episode, host Giada Santana and global Europe hub editor Alexandra Brzozowski analyse the EU's options in addressing Budapest's closer ties with Russia, ten days into Hungary's Council Presidency.

NATO leaders will discuss various topics, but the elephant in the room is the potential membership of Ukraine. But what other issues will be on the agenda, and which factors challenge NATO’s unity? 

To dive into the NATO summit and the leaders' priorities I’m joined by our politics reporter Aurélie Pugnet. 

In this episode, host Giada Santana and science freelance journalist Senne Starckx discuss the significance of this launch, and what it means for the future of European space competitiveness.

The left-wing coalition, however, has not secured an absolute majority, therefore questions arise about who will be the country’s next prime minister, and which parties could collaborate to form a government. 

To break down what the future holds for French politics, I’m joined by our Paris-based reporter Théo Bourgery-Gonse. 

Reports suggest that the European Commission plans to assign the delicate task of drafting codes of practice for OpenAI and other general providers to industry actors themselves, along with a yet undefined consulting firm.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and tech editor Eliza Gkritsi discuss how the EU regulatory machine is tackling the challenge of AI.

To understand the implications of the vote, the major players, and the European consequences, we're joined in the studio by Catherine Feore, Euractiv’s editor, with insights from Mathew Nicolson, Europe Elects deputy team leader and UK correspondent.

At the same time, far-right leaders across Europe, including Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, are forming a new alliance with nationalist parties from Austria and the Czech Republic. 

To understand the motives behind the talks, the reshuffling, and the ongoing powerplay, our politics reporter Max Griera is here with us today.  

In this episode, host Giada Santana and energy and environment journalist Niko Kurmayer analyse the importance of NECPs and the road to achieving net zero emissions.

To look at the results of the first round of the French elections, the reactions and what to expect we’re joined by our Paris based politics reporter Théo Bourgery-Gonse.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Euractiv Italy's Alessia Peretti discuss what Meloni wants from the European Council’s meeting and what she obtained.

At the same time, they will be addressing a swath of key policy issues for the EU and agree on the EU's strategic agenda, a policy plan that sets the EU’s direction and goals for the next five years.  

To dive into the topics on this summit’s agenda, we are joined by our Global Editor Alexandra Brzozowski.

From the choice of a provocative motto to its declared priorities, Budapest appears unafraid of escalating tensions with Brussels, disappointing those who hoped this role might prompt a Hungarian realignment with EU values.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics hub editor Aurelie Pugnet discuss the direction in which Hungary intends to take the union and the history of bad blood between Orbán and the EU.

The report will focus on the EU's aim to leverage its numerous strengths and competitive advantages while also tackling existing challenges and facilitating the twin transition towards a sustainable and digital economy.

But why has Draghi’s report been delayed and what reactions can we expect to it?  To understand this better we spoke with Euractiv's economy reporter Thomas Moller-Nielsen.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Berlin correspondent Nick Alipour analyse what influence UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda model might have on future EU migration policy.

But is ECR really interested in one of the top jobs? How is Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni planning to use her power? And what next for Ursula von der Leyen? 

To discuss this further, we’ve invited in our studio our politics editor Aurélie Pugnet. 

The excessive deficit procedure's timing could not be worse — France is going through an unexpected political campaign where both far-left and far-right parties have promised to their electorate generous economic measures. Is it the start of a fiscal struggle between Brussels and Paris?

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Paris reporter Theo Bourgery-Gonse sum up the highlights of the first roaring week of the French electoral campaign.

Freshly elected members of the European Parliament are now confronted with the choice to join existing political groups or form new ones. Groups have less than a month, until July 15th, to recruit newcomers and get re-grouped for the first European Parliament’s plenary.  

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Max Griera review the latest moves in Brussels’ high-stakes game of musical chairs.  

It was highly politically controversial, with the text risking failing to be approved multiple times in the past few months. Austrian Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler, even voting in favour, sparked a national political crisis.  

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Agrifood reporter Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro analyse how the Nature Restoration Law became such a controversial issue and the latest developments in the trade war tensions between the EU and China.  

Additional reporting by Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro.

The meeting comes at a crucial time, just after the European Parliament Elections which have shaken up the balance of power and will see new, and old faces vying for key positions in the bloc's various institutions.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics hub editor Aurelie Pugnet discuss the power games that could take place over the dinner table.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and economy and transport reporter Jonathan Packroff analyse the costs and likely outcomes of the EU-China's head-to-head.  

To shed some light on what will happen with the agri sector, I’m joined by our agrifood reporter Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro.

However, the internal situation doesn’t look as rosy: AfD's lead candidate Maximilian Krah, implicated in various scandals, will not be included in its EU delegation, as the party hopes this could improve its chances of joining the far-right ID group. But where will we see AfD positioning itself, and how will it impact national and EU politics? 

To understand what is happening with AfD we invited in the studio Kjeld Neubert, Euractiv’s politics reporter in Berlin.

Who were the big winners according to the latest exit polls, who were the losers, what happens with the non-affiliated, and in which EU countries were these make-or-break elections?

To talk about what happened during the election night we’re joined by Aurelie Pugnet, Euractiv’s Politics Editor, with comments from Bas Eickhout (Greens/EFA), Manfred Weber (EPP), and Assita Kanko (ECR).

To better understand how the Irish voted, what the key issues are, and which MEPs may be staying in Brussels, we spoke with Euractiv’s editor, Donagh Cagney.

We're joined in the European Parliament by Rene Moerland, Euractiv’s publisher, with comments from Bas Eickhout, Spitzenkandidat for the European Greens, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, lead candidate of D66, and Reiner van Lanschot, lead candidate and co-lead of Volt for The Netherlands.

[Additional reporting by Max Griera]

As the elections start, we present the latest projections from our polling partner, Europe Elects, on voting trends, percentages, and the seats the parties may gain. 

To break down the numbers and the tendencies, we invited Tobias Gerhard Schminke, CEO and founder of Europe Elects, to our studio.  

To understand better who the big players in these elections will be, and the related challenges, I’m joined by Nick Alipour, our Berlin-based politics reporter.

Euractiv's Global Europe editor Alexandrea Brzozowski, politics reporter Max Griera, and politics editor Aurélie Pugnet join us to explain the intricacies of the EU bubble's jargon.

To understand better what is happening with the EU Commissioners, I spoke with our politics editor, Aurélie Pugnet.

Hungary, whose leader Viktor Orban has close ties to Russia, might try to kill or stall the deal. Will EU member states succeed? Global Europe’s editor Alexandra Brzozowski analyzes the scenarios ahead. 

Our politics reporter Max Griera, who followed Schmit on the campaign trail, joined us to explain what happened during the tour and what main positions the Socialists’ lead candidate wanted to communicate.

We sat down with Paris correspondent Theo Bourgery-Gonse to put French dynamics into the European context.  

They are also positioning themselves as the sole alternative to the far-right, which has heavily politicised climate change in a bid to gather more support and secure additional seats in Parliament. But how can the Greens distinguish themselves from the other parties that focus on the same policies and are also battling with the far-right surge? 

To break down this topic, we spoke with Donagh Cagney, Euractiv’s energy and environment editor.

 Today, for the first time ever, more than half of the global population supports such leaders. We spoke to United Nations Development Programme's Pedro Conceiçao and Euractiv's politics hub editor Aurelie Pugnet to zoom in on the implications for the upcoming European Union elections.   

They plan to seek opt-outs from some European policies, particularly migration, despite knowing these efforts will likely fail. Does this mean they’re going for a strategy of confrontation with Europe or one of cooperation? And will their Eurosceptical approach damage the country’s credibility in the EU? 

To understand better the essence of Dutch politics, I’m joined by a special guest who knows the ins and outs of this topic, Euractiv's publisher René Moerland. 

So, what did they have to say about the state of the EU economy, and what are their priorities for the next mandate?

In the latest episode of Today in the EU, we sat down with Euractiv’s Economy Reporter, Thomas Moller Nielsen, who attended the debate.

The attack has brought the issue of violence against politicians back into the discourse and raised some questions about Slovakia as well: What is the current state of the Slovak political scene and how can stability be achieved?

To understand better what is happening with Slovak politics, we are joined by Radovan Geist, publisher of Euractiv Slovakia.

Today, the case returns to the Belgian courts but the lingering questions remain: Who is the man behind Pfizergate, and what really happened? To look into this topic, we spoke with Clara Bauer-Babef, Euractiv’s health reporter.

Our politics reporter Max Griera, who followed von der Leyen across Europe for four days, joined us to explain what happened during her tour and what main messages VDL wanted to communicate ahead of the EU elections in June.

But the country’s newly elected president, hailing from the nationalist VMRO party, which won the parliamentary election this month, refused to use the country's official name at her inauguration, setting it on a collision course with its neighbours and Brussels. 

Sarantis Michalopoulos, Euractiv's senior network editor, explains why in the latest episode of Today in the EU.  

In this episode, we’re looking together with Alexandra Brzosowski, Euractiv’s Global Europe editor, at what is happening in Eastern Europe and why the geopolitical weight of these countries is increasing.

In this episode of Today in the EU, Economy and Transport reporter Jonathan Packroff analyses this latest addition to the EU carbon market and what it means for the future of the union's citizens.  

Paris correspondent Théo Bourgery-Gonse joined us in the studio to discuss Kretinsky’s far-reaching influence.  

 The study underscored the urgent need for more investments in reducing agrifood emissions, suggesting that investments should surge 18-fold, to approximately €240 billion annually. This substantial increase is deemed crucial to halve emissions and propel the world towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.  

For a deeper analysis of the report, I invited in our studio Maria Simon Arboleas, Euractiv's agrifood reporter. 

The new parliament must decide whether and how to address these pending issues. This decision is expected to fuel political debates and shape the direction of EU policymaking in the upcoming five-year term, as indicated by recent polls.

But are all these files to be affected? To look into the fate of the unfinished files we are joined by Max Girera, Euractiv's Network journalist.

In this episode you will find more about:

• Fate of 119 unfinished legislative files uncertain after European Parliament elections
• New Parliament must decide whether and how to address these pending issues
• Decision expected to fuel political debates and shape EU policymaking in upcoming term
• Files include child sexual abuse material regulation, lobby transparency, genetically modified crops, and animal welfare rules
• Some files pending due to Council not reaching a position, others still in preparatory phase
• New Parliament can continue working on files or potentially drop them based on priorities

To understand better what is at stake we spoke with Thomas Moller Nielsen, Euractiv’s economy reporter.

In this episode we discuss the Net Zero Industry Act and what’s next for the energy industry with Donagh Cagney, Euractiv's energy and environment editor.

We invited Euractiv’ Germany's politics reporter Nick Alipour to understand Strack-Zimmermann's power and influence better.

Consequently, agriculture features heavily in the electoral manifestos and campaigns of many political parties ahead of June's EU elections. I'm joined by our Agrifood reporter, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro, to discuss this.

Sanchez's possible departure, just weeks before the EU elections in June, could shake up Europe's political landscape. The abrupt decision came in the wake of allegations of influence-peddling against his wife, Begoña Gómez. 

But what impact will his decision have on the EU? We’re analysing the situation with Max Griera, Euractiv's politics reporter who also closely follows Spain. 

Across Europe, more and more politicians have been accused of having ties with foreign governments in the past month. At the centre of the latest scandal is the German far-right AfD party and its leader, Maximilian Krah, around whom the Afd’s European political campaign revolves.

Kjeld Neubert, Euractiv’s Berlin correspondent, joined us in the studio to discuss the latest developments.

It’s there that we will learn whether Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will lead her party in the European elections. Many think it can’t be anyone else but her, but there is another option, her right hand in the party: her sister, Arianna Meloni.

To delve into her background and influence in more detail, we sat down with Euractiv’s reporter in Rome Alessia Peretti.

With anticipation of a higher voter turnout than in previous years, according to the last Eurobarometer before the elections,  EU citizens appear more aware and engaged than ever with EU affairs.

To get a better understanding of the new data from our polling partner, Europe Elects, with us is Max Griera, Euractiv’s network journalist.

In our studio, we invited Aurélie Pugnet, politics hub editor at Euractiv, to discuss this matter.

The Members of the European Parliament are convening for a last session from 22 April until 25 April, to focus on some remaining files before dissolving this parliamentary mandate. All this in the shadow of French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming speech, about crucial issues affecting the EU.

To look ahead to this last plenary we spoke with Euractiv's Paris-based reporter Theo Burgery Gonse, who is in Strasbourg.

The document offers some answers to the unprecedented challenges facing the European Union: the energy crisis prompted by the war in Ukraine, the aftermath of an historic surge in prices, and increased competition from China and the United States.

To find out what impact Letta’s report could have on the EU's economic future, we analysed its overarching gist with Anna Brunetti, Euractiv’s economy editor.

Externally, the coalition is losing ground in the race for the upcoming June elections. One of ruling parties, the liberal FDP, fears that it may not meet the required 5% threshold.

To break down what’s happening with the governing coalition in Germany, I spoke with Jonathan Packroff, Euractiv’s Berlin-based economy reporter.

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels on 17-18 April for an informal EU summit to hammer out the Union’s common reaction to Iran’s attack on Israel and discuss the bloc's competitiveness and economy.

To understand better what to expect from the discussion, we spoke with Alexandra Brzozowski, Euractiv’s global Europe editor, and Thomas Moller-Nielsen, Euractiv’s economy reporter.

As the mandate of many European regulators comes to an end, they are racing against time to leave a lasting mark. Will they succeed in making digital spaces safer before the European elections in June?

We’re joined by our tech reporter Julia Tar, who has been following the latest events.

The EU’s economic chief Paolo Gentiloni called for turning the bloc’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) into a “permanent” resource, arguing that its temporary nature  hasn't helped the programme would unleash its full potential. However, the European Court of Auditors is warning about the risk of frauds when it comes to EU funds after cases of embezzlement were detected in Greece and Italy.

To break this topic down we have with us Euractiv's economy hub: Anna Brunetti, Thomas Moeller Nielsen and Jonathan Packroff.

On Sunday (7 April), Slovaks elected Peter Pellegrini, an ally of populist pro-Russian Prime Minister Robert Fico, as the country's new president, boosting the pro-Moscow forces' grip on power.

The European Commission has already threatened to freeze funds for Bratislava in response, but that might make the Eurosceptic prime minister even more popular. After the backsliding in Hungary under Viktor Orban, can the EU stop another country in the union from eroding its democracy?

We invited Zuzana Gabrižová, editor-in-chief of Euractiv Slovakia, to help us analyse the situation.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will discuss and vote on ten new bills updating the EU asylum and migration rules, emphasising cooperation and mandatory but flexible solidarity.

The final legislative activity in migration and asylum takes place at plenary today, where the Commission and the Belgian Council Presidency share the results of the Migration and Asylum Pact discussions. The agreed texts, seek to strengthen European state collaboration and the EU's crisis response.

We sat down with Eleonora Vasques and Aurélie Pugnet from Euractiv’s politics hub, to discuss how the vote will pan out and what does it all mean for member states?

Far from new to scandals, alarm bells have started ringing after senior member Petr Bystron, who is running for European Parliament in the June elections, was reportedly caught accepting money from the pro-Russian disinformation site, the Voice of Europe.

But is he the only one, and with just two months until Europe heads to the polls, is Parliament ready to tackle this scandal? 

To answer these burning questions and delve deeper into the scandal shaking EU and German politics, I am joined by Kjeld Neubert, Euractiv's politics reporter in Berlin.

October 2023 marked the end of eight years of the nationalist government of the Law and Justice party in Poland, with the election of pro-EU veteran Donald Tusk. Brussels welcomed his rise to power and unfroze billions in funds to Poland. 

But change does not happen overnight. Tusk is now confronted with an electorate divided over how the government should address farmers' protests, the cost of living crisis, and hostile attitudes towards the European Union. Will he succeed in steering Poland away from Euroscepticism? 

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell both called for a thorough investigation into the Israeli military attack in Gaza. 

Borrell described IDF’s military actions as appalling and called for an immediate ceasefire while the EU institutions’ sentiment towards Israeli military forces seems to have taken a sharp turn. But EU countries are far from being united on the issue.

To discuss the latest developments we spoke with Euractiv’s Spanish correspondent Fernando Heller.

As NATO marks its 75th anniversary, the alliance reflects on its times of peace and stability, as it faces two crucial challenges. Navigating the selection of a new Secretary-General and its relations with Russia.

To discuss what we should keep an eye on regarding the NATO meeting we spoke with Aurelie Pugnet, Euractiv’s politics editor.

Von der Leyen faces a tricky dilemma as she will have to woo right-wing voters, including new members of the European Parliament, without scaring away the left-of-centre parties, whose votes she needs to win her second term. But what will keeping this precarious balance look like for von der Leyen? How is she going to get the best of both worlds?

To get a better understanding, we invited Nick Alipour, Euractiv’s Berlin-based politics reporter.

The European Union isn't exactly known for fun and games, but there are some unexpected players who bring a more light-hearted approach to politics. They are political parties originally founded as jokes that have somehow managed to find a road to the European Parliament. 

We invited Max Griera, Euractiv’s network journalist, to tell us more about who these parties are, what their story is, and what impact they could have on European politics. 

Beijing’s push to achieve greater strategic independence from the West comes amid rising tensions between China and the West, while Europe is pushing for greater strategic independence from China.

To get a better insight into how this affects Europe’s industry, we invited Thomas Moller Nielsen, Euractiv's economy reporter.

In the aftermath of the protests that took over some of the EU’s capitals, the Commission is making proposals to appease farmers, with much of it related to environmental matters.

We have invited Maria Simon Arboleas to our studio to discuss what's behind the European Commission’s decision.

Despite the compromise reached between Parliament and national governments in February, which notably diluted the Commission's original proposal, there is now not enough support amongst member states.

To break down what is happening with one of the last key pieces of legislation in Ursula von der Leyen's flagship Green Deal policy and why member states are now against it, we spoke with Donagh Cagney, Euractiv’s energy, environment, and transport editor.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is poised to loosen lending criteria, potentially lifting restrictions on financing ammunition and weapons production. But who is pushing for it, and what will be the implications of loosening the criteria? 

We invited Anna Brunetti, Euractiv’s economy editor, to break down this complex topic.

After France became the first country in the world to enshrine in the Constitution the right of women to have an abortion, the country now wants to regulate assisted dying. The newfound focus on civil and social rights has convinced many that Macron is trying to win back votes from the left in the run-up to June's European elections.

We sat down with Clara Bauer-Babef, health and politics reporter of Euractiv France, to unravel the matter. 

Slovaks will be deciding this Sunday on who will be their next president. The campaign has been focusing on Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico’s closest ally, Peter Pellegrini,  as concerns grow that Slovakia will follow Hungary’s path.

To better understand the intricacies of the upcoming Slovak presidential elections, we are joined by Radovan Geist,  publisher of Euractiv Slovakia.

We spoke to Euractiv’s Global Europe Editor Alexandra Brzozowski to break down the nitty-gritty of the expected discussions.

Especially in the strategic debate on Russia's war in Ukraine, the linguistics will matter, EU diplomats say.

As European parties wrap up 'Congress Season', Renew Europe is the last to go, convening today, 20th of March in Brussels to unveil its platform and electoral program. Who will step up as candidates, and what lies ahead for a party that looks set to lose major ground in the upcoming European election?

To break down the nitty-gritty of the Congress, Max Griera Euractiv’s network journalist, joins us.

We invited Angelo Di Mambro, Euractiv’s Agrifood editor, to our studio to break this down.

EU foreign affairs ministers are meeting in Brussels today to discuss a number of pressing issues at the very borders of the European Union. But what can we expect from this meeting?

From 31 March, Bulgaria and Romania will partially join Europe’s Schengen Area, ceasing border checks for all air- or sea-based travel between Bulgaria, Romania and other Schengen Area countries.

But how are the travelling of citizens and the trade of goods affected? And why did it take so long for these countries to join the Schengen Area?

The due diligence law has faced rising opposition since the provisional agreement of a final draft in December. It has subsequently been fighting for its survival, after a last-minute change of heart from a number of member states who have feared a negative impact on businesses.

To break down the importance of this legislation and what the voting scenarios could hold, we invited Euractiv’s Economy editor Anna Brunetti into the studio.

It’s plenary week in Strasbourg and MEPs are gathering to vote on the last files left for this mandate before EU citizens head to the polls in June. Still to be finalised is the Artificial Intelligence Act. Although the EU’s legislative text was adopted in mid-February, it still needs to be ratified by the Parliament. But is this truly the endgame, and what are the concerns expressed regarding the use of AI in military defence?

To dive into this topic, I’m joined by Elisa Gkritsi, Euractiv’s technology editor and Aurélie Pugnet, Euractiv’s Global Europe and Defence reporter.

To break down who are the top candidates for the alliance's top position and assess what lies in store for NATO in the future, we spoke with Aurélie Pugnet, Euractiv’s Global Europe and Defence reporter.

Campaigns are heating up, with the political parties showing their claws ahead of polls opening in June. According to Euractiv’s polling provider, Europe Elects, the national-conservative ECR group is set to overtake the liberal Renew Europe group as the fourth-largest political force.

We sat down with Euractiv’s network journalist Max Griera to break down the numbers and trends and take a deep dive into the political manoeuvring as it starts to take shape.

The first daily podcast exclusively dedicated to politics and policy in the EU, brought to you by Euractiv’s newsroom.

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We spoke with Julia Tar, Euractiv’s Technology reporter to find out about the transparency regarding its use and how can TikTok be safely used during the electoral campaigns.

Ending months of speculation, von der Leyen told members of her conservative CDU party in Germany on Monday (19 February) that she was seeking a second term.

In a speech where she vowed to defend the bloc from forces determined to divide it, von der Leyen by default becomes the frontrunner. Her centre-right party is forecast to win the most seats in June’s EU elections, after which the biggest party gets the right to nominate the next Commission president.

To break down what this bid for a second five-year term means for von der Leyen, the upcoming parliamentary elections and the future of the Green deal, we’re joined by Nick Alipour, Euractiv’s Berlin-based politics correspondent.

They also come ahead of the Munich Security Conference (16-18 February), the 'Davos of defence', where some of the world’s top security leaders meet to discuss crises and future threats.

We ask Alexandra Brzozowski, Euractiv’s Global Europe and Defence Editor: How seriously should we take Trump’s statements? And to what extent does his approach threaten the long-term stability of the alliance?

In anticipation of the European Elections this coming June, parties are gathering in congresses to finalise their candidate selections and strategies for their electoral campaigns.

Earlier this month, The Greens convened their congress to finalise their manifesto and to select their lead candidates for the EU elections. We asked network journalist Max Griera, who followed the congress, what stance the party is endorsing for the forthcoming elections and what has stirred controversy among the various groups within the coalition.

Italian officials at the Frontex monitoring room in Warsaw deemed the sighting of the migrant boat as 'not of particular interest' hours before it hit a shallow point in the water and sank, according to the Frontex incident report obtained by Euractiv.

We ask our politics reporter Eleonora Vasques what was written in the report and why a search and rescue mission was not successfully launched earlier.

EU foreign ministers held a flurry of separate meetings in Brussels this week - with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Maliki as well as other Arab ministers - to discuss how to achieve peace in the Middle East. 

The EU's peace plan ambitions hit a big wall in the face of Israel's flat-out rejection.

Euractiv’s Global Europe and Defence editor, Alexandra Brzozowski, explains the main takeaways from the talks. 

The focus is on enhancing Egypt's naval and border capabilities for surveillance and sea search and rescue. Previous funding supported border management, anti-smuggling efforts, and voluntary returns. Negotiations are also continuing to tie funding to the country for various sectors to International Monetary Fund reform requests.

We ask Sergio Carrera, a senior research fellow focusing on EU migration policy at the Centre for European Policy Studies, and Andrew Geddes, the director of the migration policy centre at the European University Institute: How is the EU planning to implement this project and how can it ensure that the funds will be allocated where is necessary?

Hungary's prime minister Viktor Orbán has so far vetoed the EU's proposed €50 billion for the Ukraine Facility fund. The fund aims to provide financial assistance to Kyiv between 2024 and 2027 for its public deficit, essential services, and reconstruction efforts. However, Orbán has indicated he is willing to lift the veto - under certain conditions.

We ask Andriy Korniychuk, policy analyst and expert on Ukraine matters at the Foundation for European Progressive Studies: what are these conditions, and why is Hungary considering changing its position?

The prospect of Michel's potential election as an MEP introduces a complex timeline for selecting his successor and raises concerns about a potential power vacuum during Hungary's EU Council presidency.

We ask Euractiv's Global Europe Editor Alexandra Brzozowski, and comparative political analyst Catherine Fieschi: What can we make out of this surprise announcement? With the race underway, which other names are in the running for the EU's top jobs?

As 2023 bids us farewell we look at its impact not only for the European Union and its policies but for the entire globe. The ongoing war in Ukraine continued to command our attention in 2023, underscoring the geopolitical tensions that persist in the region. But this year, a new war emerged in Gaza, further highlighting the complex challenges faced by the international community.

This year, the EU remained committed to supporting Ukraine, opening accession talks, and advancing its enlargement policy. A notable shift occurred as more member countries elected right-wing governments, sparking discussions on evolving dynamics.

The year concluded with the introduction of a migration pact, which pushed for comprehensive and EU-level solutions to processing new arrivals. Beyond Brussels, concerns arose about journalists and politicians falling victim to spyware, prompting the European Commission to advocate for increased regulation to safeguard privacy and security.

Leaders from the 27 EU member countries are convening to address pivotal issues such as the bloc's enlargement strategy, the war in the Middle East, the EU's long-term budget, and security and defence concerns.

We talked to David Rinaldi, the director of studies and policy and Andriy Korniychuk the policy analyst on international relations at the Foundation for European Progressive Studies about what can we expect on Ukraine, EU enlargement and the bloc’s budget.

What can we expect from the negotiations? What's the world's reaction been to the summit, and what is currently topping the list of concerns for climate analysts and activists?

To answer these questions, we spoke with Preety Bhandari, senior advisor for Climate and Finance at the World Resources Institute and Claire Fyson, climate policy analyst at Climate Analytics, an international science policy institute.

The decision raises concerns over incomplete achievements in areas such as judicial independence and anti-corruption measures. Commissioner Hahn's recent report acknowledges progress but underscores unmet milestones. Beyond the €900 million disbursement, a critical question emerges: Is Hungary, led by Viktor Orbán, strategically wielding its veto power on budget issues and Ukraine support to influence the release of €13 billion in cohesion funding? 

This potential manoeuvre is viewed as a substantial threat to recent strides in EU rule-of-law progress.

We asked Moritz Körner, MEP with the Renew Europe Group, about the Parliament's concerns regarding the rule of law and whether this decision is setting a precedent for other European countries that fail to meet the rule of law requirements.

The success of Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV) signalled a notable rightwards shift in a country that's seen over a decade of centrist governance.

Geert Wilders is now positioned to lead talks for the next governing coalition, potentially becoming the first far-right prime minister of the Netherlands, with the PVV securing 37 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament — more than double his previous tally of 17 in the last election.

This outcome is sending shockwaves through Europe, where far-right ideologies are gaining momentum.

We asked Catherine Fieschi, a comparative political analyst with a focus on populism, authoritarianism and challenges to democracy and representation and a fellow at the Robert Schuman Centre, about the proliferation of far-right governments in the EU - and why Europeans are increasingly turning rightwards in the polls.

This Wednesday, 22 November, the Dutch are heading to the polls to vote in a snap parliamentary election. For the first time in 16 years, Mark Rutte, the previous prime minister whose government collapsed in July, is not running.

The Dutch political scene is somewhat messy and unpredictable, with potentially up to 18 parties winning seats in parliament, possibly heralding a long period of coalition-building talks.

But internationally, the expected change in leadership might also spell the end of the Netherlands playing a key role in making deals within the European Union, according to Sarah De Lange, a professor of political pluralism at the University of Amsterdam.

We ask De Lange why this is a landmark election, who will win the race, and what the outcome will mean for the Dutch and for the European Union.

Medical centres - once a refuge for civilians - have been struggling to continue to operate with their fuel, electricity and medical supplies cut off. On Wednesday, the Israel Defence Forces raided Gaza's biggest hospital, Al-Shifa, saying that Hamas militants were hiding out beneath the building.

Doctors and aid workers on the ground have put out calls for a ceasefire, with the United Nations relief chief stating that "hospitals are not battlegrounds".

We discussed the critical situation in Gaza's medical facilities with Christian Lindmeier, a spokesperson at the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The EU executive chief talked to leaders of Western Balkans countries to encourage their governments to continue their hard work to meet EU membership standards, while warning that many are falling short of the requirements, and Brussels’ newfound appetite for enlargement might not last forever.

The six Western Balkan states of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia are all aspiring EU members. Accession for any of them looked a distant prospect until Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine last spring got Brussels talking seriously about enlarging the EU again.

In response, a new target is being proposed to make the EU executive accountable for providing farmers with low-risk options and actively contributing to creating a robust market for such products.

European Parliament members (MEPs) want to set an ambitious yet achievable target, considering technical and market insights, and request the Commission establish a methodology for calculating it.ember states must set their national goals for increasing the sales of low-risk plant protection products and biological control.

We asked Green MEP Jutta Paulus how the Parliament's position has evolved regarding the reduction targets for chemical pesticides and more hazardous plant protection products, and what are the key disagreements between the conservative side of the Parliament and the Greens in the context of the compromise amendments discussed?

To find out what the ground rules are, who is eligible for protection, and what happens when these rules are violated, we turn to Dr. Knut Dörmann, head of the delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross to the EU, NATO, and Belgium, and Brian Finucane, senior adviser at the International Crisis Group, an independent organisation working to prevent wars and shape policies that will build a more peaceful world.

EU leaders held a virtual conference on Tuesday (17 October) to decide their common stance regarding the conflict that has exploded between Israel and Hamas in recent days. The talks came in the wake of criticism that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen overstepped her remit with her unequivocal support for Israel.

We asked Ricardo Borges de Castro, Associate Director and Head of Europe in the World Programme at the European Policy Centre, and Georgi Gotev, Euractiv’s Senior Editor, if the tone is changing - and what hope there is for a diplomatic solution to the war.

The incumbent Law and Justice party (PiS), in power since 2015, has introduced divisive reforms including massive restrictions on women's reproductive rights and a more autonomous stance towards EU policy.

Ongoing scandals, like the visa controversy, could affect the elections, with concerns over media bias and censorship complicating the electoral atmosphere. The outcome could lead to a coalition government or political instability, shaping Poland's uncertain political future.

We spoke with Aleks Szczerbiak, a politics professor and Polish specialist at the University of Sussex, and Sonia Horonziak, political scientist and coordinator of the Democracy and Civil Society Programme.

Thousands of ethnic Armenians living in the territory have been displaced following Azerbaijan's recent offensive to regain control of the contested enclave - dramatically reshaping the conflict landscape.

The dissolution of Nagorno-Karabakh's government marks the culmination of over three decades of separatist rule, with far-reaching geopolitical implications in the South Caucasus. What is the EU's involvement in the region, and what is the future outlook?

Join us as we unravel together with Dr. Anna Ohanyan Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Stonehill College the complex history and intricate power dynamics that have brought us to this pivotal moment.

EU lawmakers adopted a report advocating the decriminalisation of people engaged in sex work, while suggesting the 'punishment' but not criminalisation of those who use their services.

The report, although lacking direct legislative impact, sparked controversy as it initially proposed the Nordic model, criminalising sex buyers, but later opted for a milder stance.

It also called for support and exit programmes for sex workers, highlighting a division among MEPs on the issue of whether buyers should be criminalised and if prostitution should be viewed as gender-based violence or a profession.

We talked with the rapporteur of the report, MEP Maria Noichl, and Euractiv’s journalist Silvia Ellena to better understand what the report is about.

We also talked with MEP Karen Melchior and Sabrina Sanchez, director of the European Sex Workers Alliance, to find out what was not considered during the report and how this report could affect sex workers and the regulation of prostitution.

We delve into the recent State of the Union address by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where she expressed gratitude to farmers and emphasised the shift towards sustainable agriculture.

Discover how farmers and cooperatives are facing issues like generational renewal and administrative burdens while advocating for coordinated policies and funds to support sustainable farming.

We asked Peeter Meedendorp, President of CEJA Young Farmers and Karl Bauer, Chairman of Copa Cogeca's Working Party on Rural Development, how farmers can maintain the balance between food security and nature protection, the importance of dialogue, and the evolving agricultural landscape in the EU.

In her final SOTEU address under the current mandate, von der Leyen used the speech to lay out her achievements - and hopes for the future - for European citizens across areas such as the economy, climate change, and migration.

As rumours swirl as to whether she intends to throw her hat into the ring for a second mandate as Commission president, von der Leyen has remained staunchly silent. However, some saw elements of her speech as subtly laying the groundwork for a bid for another term.

The speech did not introduce any significant new policy initiatives, with the EU's climate package, the Green Deal, alongside the economy and migration taking up most of the space.

To break down von der Leyen's speech we spoke with Frédéric Simon (Euractiv’s Energy and environment editor), János Allenbach-Ammann (Euractiv’s Economy and Jobs editor), Sean Goulding Carroll (Euractiv’s Transport editor), Alexandra Brzozowski (Euractiv’s editor for Global Europe), Eleonora Vasques (Euractiv’s reporter on politics), Julia Tar (Euractiv’s reporter on Technology), Marta Iraola (Euractiv’s reporter on Health).

With Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine bringing the topic of EU enlargement back into sharp focus, the next political season could be crunch time for decisions that will shape the Union of the future.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi stated that enlargement by 2030 is possible, but depends on efforts from both candidate countries and the EU. The European Commission plans to make significant proposals in October, including a Growth Plan to increase investment in the Western Balkans. But what is the plan, and what are the key dates to look out for regarding decision-making?

The continent was once again battling scorching temperatures this summer, with wildfires blazing across Europe from Portugal to Greece. The latter is still battling with the largest wildfire in the EU since 2000.

The damage to the ecosystem and the natural resources on the entire continent has been devastating, with the fire destroying everything in its path.

In northern Greece, which was the worst hit by wildfires this summer, the fire has burned more than 810 square kilometres of land – an area bigger than New York City.

This week we ask Christiana Photiadou (expert on climate change vulnerability and adaptation at the European Environment Agency), Zita Sebasvari (environmental scientist focusing on disaster risk reduction) and Lindon Pronto (senior fire management expert at the European Forest Institute and ex firefighter): What is driving the fires, how can prevention measures be improved, and how can ecosystems recover?

As Europe enters the summer season, a wave of transport strikes is causing significant disruptions to travel across the continent. 

Employees from various sectors, including air traffic controllers, security staff, cabin crews, and train personnel, are taking a stand demanding fair treatment, higher wages, and improved working conditions. 

These strikes have impacted airports, rail services, and other modes of transport in countries like France, England, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, and Portugal. With no end in sight for some of these industrial actions, travellers should brace themselves for potential delays and cancellations while unions continue to protest for their rights.

Aligned with President Ursula von der Leyen's ambitious European Green Deal, this legislation aims to protect nature by implementing recovery measures on 20% of the EU's land and sea by 2030, with a long-term vision of covering all degraded ecosystems by 2050. However, the road to adoption was far from smooth, as lawmakers in Strasbourg had to navigate heated debates and opposition campaigns, resulting in a revised proposal. How is the nature restoration law being politicised in the European parliament and what lies ahead?

The government's months-long negotiations to curb the influx of new migrants into the Netherlands were marred by political infighting, with limits on family reunification and the establishment of a two-tier asylum system proving particularly divisive.

The events also speak to the significance of migration as a touchstone issue in EU politics, which is expected to be a hot topic in the upcoming European elections of 2024.

The country has been engulfed in clashes following the fatal police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk.

Racial profiling and police brutality are concerns in France and in some other European countries, according to the European Network Against Racism.

The situation in France has further escalated with clashes between protesters and far-right supporters, while fundraisers for both Nahel's family and the police officer involved have gained significant attention.

Amid this complex situation, journalists and photographers face violence from both the police and protesters, prompting Reporters Without Borders to establish a hotline and propose on-site training for journalists covering the clashes.

The crisis ensued when Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner Group, a Russian state-funded paramilitary organisation, turned on the country's Ministry of Defence in what some are calling a coup attempt. While the exact details of the standoff are unclear, they indicate a significant escalation of tensions.

How did we get here, and what does the clash mean for Putin's future, Ukraine and the EU? What could a post-Putin Russia look like?

To get some answers, we speak to Zachary Paikin, researcher of EU foreign policy at the Centre for European Policy Studies, and Hans Kribbe, director of the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics.

The plan seeks to persuade all 27 EU member states to implement stricter regulations for the export and transfer of technologies that could potentially be used for military purposes by third countries, through stronger export controls and screening of outbound investments related to critical technologies.

While the document does not explicitly mention China, it highlights the importance of collaborating with compatible nations and implementing a "de-risking" strategy to reduce dependence on China in economic matters.